Old Testament
Psalms 52
Overview
Psalm 52 is a sharp prophetic rebuke of a powerful man who boasts in evil and trusts in his riches rather than in God. David contrasts the destiny of the proud schemer — who will be uprooted and torn away like a tree pulled out of the ground — with his own security as a flourishing green olive tree planted in the house of God. The psalm ends in confident thanksgiving and a resolve to wait on God's name in the presence of His people.
1For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, “David has come to Ahimelech’s house.” Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man? God’s loving kindness endures continually.
2Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
3You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. Selah.
4You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.
5God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah.
6The righteous also will see it, and fear, and laugh at him, saying,
7“Behold, this is the man who didn’t make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.”
8But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in God’s house. I trust in God’s loving kindness forever and ever.
9I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. I will hope in your name, for it is good, in the presence of your saints.